“You guys showed our kids that worship and ‘church stuff’ can be fun!”, Britton, youth pastor at Christ Church EYC.
Last week kicked off SLAM NSHVLL Summer 2019, and it was a dynamic beginning! The group was from Christ Church EYC in Pensacola, FL and this was their first SLAM experience. The youth had only ever sung traditional hymns and their worship experience never included raising hands, dancing, or shouting ‘amen’! That is, until this week! It was wonderful to watch the youth connect with God in new ways.
Brandon Galford was the speaker for the week. He focused on John 5:19 and challenged the kids to “only do what they saw the Father doing”. About the group, he said, “Though the group was small, they really set the tone for the summer. They were willing to do everything expected of them without complaint. They were energetic playing with the kids , enthusiastic during worship, engaging during Bible studies, and sincere during small groups.”
This group was singing and raising hands to songs they were learning for the first time, and God was faithful to respond with His presence.
Their times of worship also stood out to Britton, the youth pastor. She said, “You guys actually helped our kids to love worship and sing songs outside of church. way the band explained the meaning behind the songs made them come to life and become more than just words and phrases, but prayers to God.”
It never gets old hearing testimonies from groups after a week filled with God’s presence.This group participated in facilitating a kids camp at a low-income apartment complex, for mostly refugee and immigrant families. Through it all, they tried to exemplify what they were learning, and serve the way Jesus did. This team did set the tone for the summer, because whatever we do, we are doing for the glory of God! He is the source and beginning and reason for our service! Thanks for living that out with us Christ Church EYC!